In the times of Ancient Egypt, around 4800 years ago, were thought to be the first use of wedding rings or wedding bands.
This ring is usually worn (depending upon Country) on the third finger of the left or right hand, known as "vena amoris" or "vein of love" by the Romans who thought it linked directly to the heart. Always used as a symbol of marriage and originally worn by the women only. Since around the start of the 20th Century, it is now universally accepted to be worn by the man also.
The River Nile is thought to be the source of the first designs of wedding rings. The same river that brought everything possible to the Pharoahs and Egyptian peoples, also had the reeds along its banks. These reeds and then that of hemp were plaited and intertwined to make a sort of ring to sit on the finger. Because they did not last long, they were soon overtaken by the use of leather and bone.
The shape was thought to mimic their worship to the Sun and Moon, and because it had no start or no end, it also symbolised eternity. The whole was supposed to be their entry into all that was unknown or known.
Legally, if a women accepted a wedding ring from a man, then she was known to belong to him. This is was because the ring was a sort of formal contract.
In early Rome they started to use iron as the material to make these rings, and then on to copper and brass, followed by silver and gold for those who could afford their increasing popularity. Just as is sometimes done nowadays, gemstones such as ruby and diamonds may be added for their respective links to love and indestructibleness.
During the Italian Renaissance and then through the 17th Century, silver became the most popular metal used, and then slowly did the use of gold. many rings during these times were engraved with words such as "faith" and "love" around the inside of the shank. Although gold became the most popular, not everybody could afford one, so it became increasing popular to just borrow one until after the ceremony. The Church of England is not particularly bothered which metal is used, just as long as one is used.
Although early Protestant Puritans proclaimed them to be un Godly and that they should not be used. The Catholic Church at that time spoke exactly the opposite, and tried to entice the use of these rings by stating the fact that Joseph and Mary used one made of onyx or amethyst.
Just as it should today, the wedding ring always had to fit correctly, because if it was too loose it could bring about unfaithfulness and recklessness, but if it was fitted to tight, it could allow jealous and possesive thoughts.
The first sort of pre-wedding ceremony that involved the exchanging of wedding bands, was when a "gemmal" ring was known to be used. This was made from three separate bands, one given to the bride to be, one to the groom and one to a witness, On the day of the wedding all three rings would be placed back together on the finger of the bride. The real exchanging of rings as we know it today, is really quite a modern employment, this started at the time of the Second World War. The men who left to fight for their respective countries would wear one so that they could not forget their partners back home and that they may be kept safe from danger
One of the only Christian beliefs today that do not recognise or wear the Wedding Ring, is that of the Quakers.
This ring is usually worn (depending upon Country) on the third finger of the left or right hand, known as "vena amoris" or "vein of love" by the Romans who thought it linked directly to the heart. Always used as a symbol of marriage and originally worn by the women only. Since around the start of the 20th Century, it is now universally accepted to be worn by the man also.
The River Nile is thought to be the source of the first designs of wedding rings. The same river that brought everything possible to the Pharoahs and Egyptian peoples, also had the reeds along its banks. These reeds and then that of hemp were plaited and intertwined to make a sort of ring to sit on the finger. Because they did not last long, they were soon overtaken by the use of leather and bone.
The shape was thought to mimic their worship to the Sun and Moon, and because it had no start or no end, it also symbolised eternity. The whole was supposed to be their entry into all that was unknown or known.
Legally, if a women accepted a wedding ring from a man, then she was known to belong to him. This is was because the ring was a sort of formal contract.
In early Rome they started to use iron as the material to make these rings, and then on to copper and brass, followed by silver and gold for those who could afford their increasing popularity. Just as is sometimes done nowadays, gemstones such as ruby and diamonds may be added for their respective links to love and indestructibleness.
During the Italian Renaissance and then through the 17th Century, silver became the most popular metal used, and then slowly did the use of gold. many rings during these times were engraved with words such as "faith" and "love" around the inside of the shank. Although gold became the most popular, not everybody could afford one, so it became increasing popular to just borrow one until after the ceremony. The Church of England is not particularly bothered which metal is used, just as long as one is used.
Although early Protestant Puritans proclaimed them to be un Godly and that they should not be used. The Catholic Church at that time spoke exactly the opposite, and tried to entice the use of these rings by stating the fact that Joseph and Mary used one made of onyx or amethyst.
Just as it should today, the wedding ring always had to fit correctly, because if it was too loose it could bring about unfaithfulness and recklessness, but if it was fitted to tight, it could allow jealous and possesive thoughts.
The first sort of pre-wedding ceremony that involved the exchanging of wedding bands, was when a "gemmal" ring was known to be used. This was made from three separate bands, one given to the bride to be, one to the groom and one to a witness, On the day of the wedding all three rings would be placed back together on the finger of the bride. The real exchanging of rings as we know it today, is really quite a modern employment, this started at the time of the Second World War. The men who left to fight for their respective countries would wear one so that they could not forget their partners back home and that they may be kept safe from danger
One of the only Christian beliefs today that do not recognise or wear the Wedding Ring, is that of the Quakers.
About the Author:
With over 30 years expertise in the jewellery trade, Jessy Price suggests visiting to Globe Jewellery today, for a fabulous range of jewellery. Therefore, why not follow them on their Globe Jewellery Facebook Page?
